Off the Grid

The grid gets bigger by the minute -- internet, e-mail, cell phones, text messages facebook, twitter, linkedin - so many ways to connect with people. Such an emphasis to stay connected 24/7 - except I am seeing a reluctance to do it off the grid - face to face- person to person - the human connection. I see lots of people who don't know how to connect face to face. Why will people share things via social media they wouldn't share face-to-face. Why are people hiding behind technology whenever things get too personal. Why are some of their strongest relationships almost entirely virtual?

There are times to use technology and there are times to get human. I think we need more of the latter. Use technology and embrace the grid there is certainly goodness there. What would happen if at least once a day you forced yourself to reach out to people in
person off the grid. Try this for 2 weeks and see what results you achieve.

If you are looking for advice on how to connect with people, the expert on the subject
is Dale Carnegie. He developed basic principles for connecting with people that have
been used successfully by his graduates for over 98 years. There are 30 Dale Carnegie
Human relations principles in his book How to win Friends and Influence People. Here
are 5 key principles that will help you connect on a human level.

• Talk in terms of the other person's interest. - We spend most of our time thinking about ourselves. Why not create a strong relationship by putting away our own concerns and talking about what others are interested in for a while.

• Be a good listener - we must listen with everything we have got. How we listen says volumes about how we think. Be focused, engaged and sincere

• Smile - whether we are pleasant to be around depends less on the situation than on our behavior. Rapport is fueled by minor things, such as a friendly, accessible demeanor and a welcoming smile.

• Give honest sincere appreciation-- Appreciation builds our image faster than any other Practice. Success depends on cooperation from others. People contribute to our success as much as we contribute to theirs.

• Let the other person do a great deal of the talking - Not only will the person share information, but they might 'talk themselves" into cooperating.

It's time to get human again. Anyone can get human at least once a day. If you spend more quality time off the grid - what will it do to your life on the grid?

"The most important trait a person can have is not executive ability, not a great mind, not kindness, not courage or a sense of humor, though each of these is tremendously important. In my opinion it is the ability to make friends, which boiled down, means the ability to see the best in others." Dale Carnegie

Ron Cox is the president of the Dale Carnegie franchise that covers northwestern Missouri and north eastern Kansas. Dale Carnegie Training is a global personal development company with a successful 98-year history. Ron is a seasoned and proven business leader with 37 years of business experience and substantial career accomplishments complemented by a 20-year commitment to education as an instructor, adjunct professor coach and business strategist. Ron's education and professional certification include a Master of Business Administration, Finance; Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Accounting from Rockhurst University, Associate of Arts, Supervision and he is a Certified Internal Auditor.